Sri Adi Shankaracharya: His Meeting with Guru Gaudapada (Part 3)

… Continued from Part 2

The Preceptor and His Disciple

When Shankara met his Guru

After that he proceeded towards the Narmada River, where there existed a big hermitage of Govinda the disciple of Gaudapada. Shankara stepped into the hermitage of Govinda. Watching Shankara the preceptor was very happy. He said, “Son, the one for whom I have been waiting has come at last. Please come.” He commanded Shankara to write the interpretation for the Brahma Sutras. He interpreted the Brahma Sutras (analytical aphorisms on the Supreme Reality) which state that every human being is a gem. Within those gems, the principle of Brahman is like the thread that binds them together. Gems are many but thread is one. Without the difference of caste, community and nationality, all are like gems. The awareness in everyone is Brahman. The Brahman is present in every one. 

What is the sign of Brahma? The Awareness is Brahma. Brahma is all pervasive. The Brahma Tatva keeps on expanding continuously. It keeps on expanding though it is not seen to the physical eye. It has not only the power of expansion, it also has memory. When you throw a stone in a well, the waves that are formed by this stone spread all around the well. You see the waves for some time and then you cannot. Though we cannot see with naked eye, we cannot deny their existence. In the same way Awareness is all pervasive. We cannot say it is there in him and not in another, it is everywhere. Thus Shankara gave a proper interpretation to the Brahma Sutras.

One day, to test Shankara’s mastery over the scriptures, Govinda engaged Shankara in a philosophical debate. It was a debate between the preceptor and the disciple. Shankara was full of humility and reverence for the Guru. Hence, before entering into the debate he prostrated before the preceptor and prayed to him for permission to argue with him. Humility is the real ornament for a student. Without humility a student cannot learn anything. With the Guru’s sanction he began his argument with amazing skill and demolished, with due scriptural authority, the propositions of the preceptor and presented his views in accordance with Vedic authorities with due regard to worldly understanding and showed how the Nivritti (inward) path could be harmonised with the Pravritti (external) path.

Shankara was deeply perturbed over the conduct of great Vedic scholars of those times who were concerned about making money out of their scriptural scholarship than to gain spiritual wisdom from it. They forgot that knowledge should not be used for commercial purposes. Even today many students consider education as a means for earning a living. This is utterly wrong. One should work for a living. But knowledge should be sought for acquiring wisdom. Shankara sought to bring about a change in the use of scriptural knowledge. Right from the moment you wake up to the time you go back to sleep you struggle to make a living and to acquire all sorts of education. In the process you forget the lotus feet of God.

Receiving instructions from his Guru Govindapaada

Of what use is the acquisition of all kinds of knowledge,

If one does not think of God and use his hands for the adoration of the Divine?

All such knowledge is a sheer waste!

Shankara was deeply distressed over the conduct of the scholars. His preceptor Govinda observed Shankara’s sadness. Govinda’s guru, Gaudapada, also felt unhappy over this state of things. Both of them were elated at the sublime feelings of the young Shankara. They both realised that Shankara was best qualified to use the sacred teachings of the Vedas to combat the prevailing unrighteous and immoral tendencies in the society. They summoned Shankara and told him, “Child! There is no need for you to stay here any longer. Leave for Kashi tomorrow. You must meet the great Pandits in Kashi and propagate the Advaita doctrine to the whole world. Nobody else can carry out this mission.” Students today should realise that they are the most powerful instruments for rectifying all the evils rampant in our society today.

Continued in Part 4…

Source: Sri Adi Shankaracharya – His Life, Discourse 16, My Dear Students Volume 3

How I got Admission at the Sri Sathya Sai University? - by Bishal Chetri

My blissful journey with Swami began at the tender age of four. It was Bhagavan’s love that pulled me towards Him at such an early age. Just as a potter shapes the pot slowly but methodically, Bhagavan has shaped my life all these years. When I was a little boy, my mother used to take me to Bal Vikas classes every Sunday, even in the midst of heavy rainfall. There I learnt humility and the importance of respecting others, and slowly the guidelines given by the Gurus of Balvikas helped me become an ideal person.

I grew older with the passage of time and the quest for the purpose of life increased as days passed. I really want to thank my Gurus as they played the role of a lighthouse showing me the way through the darkness all around me. Right at that young age, I learnt the importance of silence and realised the value of time. I learnt not only how to manage both the academics and the spiritual life, but also found the right avenue to express my talents. Bal Vikas gave us ample opportunities to excel in our fields of interest. Very soon I had happily completed nine years of the Bal Vikas course and it was time for me to leave.

But I did not want to break the bond that had been built between me and Bhagavan over these years. Therefore, I joined the youth wing of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation at our place. There I transformed my ideas into actions. This youth wing served as a learning platform where we learnt Vedas, Bhajans and gained a lot of self confidence. Apart from these, the most important thing we learnt was to learn from our own mistakes. It was during this phase that I got a chance to act in a drama on the occasion of the Independence Day, and it was this performance that inspired me to act even at the District level. Until then I was a novice in the field of dramatics, but by Swami’s grace, I was adjudged the best actor at such a large forum.

Swami is very concerned about the rural development of our country. This led us to embark on Sai Seva, where I came to know about the life of the people in the villages. As Swami’s instruments, we gave our best to provide them the basic amenities of life and I think it was Swami’s will, that took me there and understand the problems confronting our country.

Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

I was happy with this peaceful life; but along the journey I happened to notice a sign board indicating a turning point in my life, as my school days were about to end, and the members of my family had already planned to send me to Delhi for my further education. I was in complete depression because I was about to leave the organization of Bhagavan. But our merciful Swami gave me a solution to my prayers, when my mother brought the admission form of Swami’s University on her return from Prasanthi Nilayam. It was a great gift to me by Swami. Seeking Swami’s grace I posted the form on the Poornima day. The anticipation of becoming Swami’s student was creating a sort of restlessness within my heart. But even after one month of my posting the letter, there was no response from the authorities. My mother had by then decided not to send me to college at all, if not at the Sri Sathya Sai University. I had not even applied to any other college elsewhere. The only alternative I had applied for was for the Mirpuri College of Music, also at Puttaparthi.

Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music

I was initiated into singing of Bhajans right from an early age. Because of this association, Swami had bestowed upon me some knowledge of music and banking on this knowledge, I decided to apply for an admission into the Music College also. However, there was no response from either of the colleges and my mother was greatly worried. She performed every possible prayer in order to please God. Seeing the postman in our village, I used to run towards him to enquire about any letter in my name. Receiving no response, I used to return with great disappointment; yet, I had complete faith in Bhagavan.

One fine day when I was studying in my room, I heard a call from my mother. Hearing this, I rushed towards her and I saw her holding the admit card of the Mirpuri College of Music. Seeing the first call-letter itself gave me the greatest happiness. Swami says that He always wants to see us happy and that is why He bestowed on me another boon when I received another letter informing me that I was eligible for the admission test in Swami’s University as well.

We started for Prasanthi Nilayam. But on reaching there I found myself inferior to other students, as they were extremely talented and confident. With very little knowledge of music, I was diffident even to say that I have applied for the Diploma Course and I had only three days left before the tests.

Swami however, knew everything and decided to send help through some of the prominent Bhajan singers in the Sai Kulwant Hall. On my mother’s request they agreed to guide me for the remaining days. Practicing with Bhagavan’s students boosted my confidence and I was in a position to present myself before the maestros of the Music College. It was Swami who sang through me and spoke through me inside the interview room. It is only because of Swami’s love that I got admission in the Music College.  

But all this while, I was yet to knock on the other door that would lead me towards Swami, that is the University test. Without much preparation, I went to answer that test also and I realized that if I had to get through I would require His grace in abundance.

On the day of the exam, while on our way, we found a crowd of people standing on either side of the road and Swami’s car was in the middle. We ran towards Swami and seeing me, He gave a blissful smile which gave me confidence to do well in the entrance exams. Till then Swami had fulfilled my every wish and as per His wish I got admission in the University.

The boy who always ran on seeing the postman for the call-letter from the University, now had two gifts before him. This was the greatest gift from my Lord that made me an instrument in His great mission.

Swami’s Darshan on the very first day of the college brought tears to my eyes, because I had no words to express my gratitude to Him. Within one month there was an opportunity before the students to put up a dance programme before Swami. I, from my past experience gathered courage and gave my name to the concerned teacher.

"Chaala Manchidi"

After our performance was over, Swami gave us a charming smile and said, "Chala Manchidi". I felt that the effort we had put in, to see a smile on Swami’s face had pleased Him. Also all were surprised to see Swami walking down the steps to pose for a photograph with us. Swami gave me His hand to hold which I cannot forget all my life. We had a photo session with Him and Swami permitted me to hold on to His hand even after He was seated. I totally forgot everything when Swami looked straight into my eyes. Mustering some courage I said to Swami, "Swami, I love You." I do not know how these words came out of my mouth but I was sure that He was really happy as He also replied, "I love you," thrice.

As everyone wishes for wonderful gifts on our birthday, I got more than what I expected. Earlier I used to celebrate it with my friends and parents dancing and chatting, but this time my birthday celebration was totally unforgettable. Blessings from Swami on my birthday were the real, everlasting gift and a chance to offer my actions at His Lotus feet. Swami kept His hand on my hand when I bowed down before Him. One after the other Swami fulfilled my wishes and I also wish for Swami’s proximity in my near future.

Realising the purpose of our birth and pleasing Swami should be the prime goal of everyone.

- Bishal Chetri

Student (2008-11), Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus

Source: From His Loving Students (85th Birthday Issue)

"How is Your Hand"

January 30, 1997

During the usual Darshan time, Swami came across X class students who were seated in the third block and remarked that it was too cold in the mornings, that students may catch cold and cough and so they come only in the afternoon.

Sathya Sai with Students in the Prasanthi Nilayam portico

Then He called two students into His interview room and asked them to lift a box of biscuits.  

Swami asked them to take it to the Bhajan hall.  He pointed out to another student and told…

Swami  : (Jokingly) Keep on his head.

Then He asked the two students to keep it in front of the throne. Swami Himself opened the box.  Soon, all the students came inside. Swami looked around with an item in His hand. He told that it was a cake and threw it to a student. He then took big packets of sweets and threw it to the students nearby. He asked them to share it and that if they wanted to eat alone, they should do so in the bathroom! Swami then took a small box and…

Swami  : (Looking at one student) What is this?

Student  : Swami, Lavang (clove) box.

Swami  : How do you know?

Saying thus Swami opened that box and it actually contained cookies.

Swami  : (Looking at the student) Dunnapotha!! 

(Often, Swami would lovingly call students ‘Dunnapotha’ literally meaning ‘He-buffalo’)

Swami threw the box at a student and asked him to use it as soap box after eating the cookies. Later, Swami came out and asked the students sitting in the middle portico and 3rd block…

Swami  : Why are students sitting here? Go inside the prayer hall. Students can sing well. They can also see Swami.

Evening 

After interview, Swami came out to the Ganesh Portico. A student, who had fractured his hand, was seated in the front. 

Swami  : How is your hand? Better?

Student  : Yes, Swami. Tomorrow, the doctor will see the old X-ray and the new X-ray.

Swami  : (Mischievously) Oh! Is it paining?

Student  : Yes, Swami.

Swami : Can you bend your elbow?

Student  : Yes, Swami.

Swami  : Who is your doctor? Krishnamurthy?

Student  : Yes, Swami.

Swami  : Oh! Krishnamurthy is not there. But do not worry.

The Divine Gift

So saying, Swami created Vibhuti and gave it to the student. Swami helped the student to put Vibhuti in a paper and He Himself folded it and kept the packet in his pocket. Swami patted him lovingly and asked him to go back.

Source: Students with Sai Conversations: Part 1 (1991-2000)

What happened in Puttaparthi on the Day when Mahatma Gandhi was Assassinated?

Friday, January 30, 1948

On the afternoon of the 30th of January, Baba led a few people to the Chitravati river. He ran back to the Mandir all of a sudden and bolted the door. He stepped in and out of His room intermittently until 7:30 pm.

 
When He finally came out, He told the devotees that a great soul had passed away. After a couple of days, one of the devotees read in ‘The Hindu’ (a daily newspaper) that Mahatma Gandhi, The Father of the Nation, had been assassinated in New Delhi at about 5:30 pm, on the 30th of January. It happened almost at the same time that Baba behaved in a strange manner on the 30th.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam (1926 to 1985)

Ideal Leadership: Sri Sathya Sai Perspective

One has to engage oneself in a great deal of Sadhana (regular practice) to acquire individual character. It cannot be merely acquired by reading books. It cannot be imparted by the teachers or bought in the marketplace. Individual character can be cultivated by: Nitya Sadhana (daily practice), good company and good actions. In the present times, individual character is declining day by day in all spheres of society like the scientific field, legal profession, politics, etc. In today’s society, people endowed with muscle-power, scholarly attainments, privileged circumstances and communication-skills are accorded premium status and those who have individual character are underestimated and discounted. In the bygone times, people with individual character were regarded as Adarsha Vyakti (ideal persons). Only such people were called Gurus (mentors) and the lives of such great people were brought into prominence and disseminated to the entire world. These persons safeguarded the greatness and sacredness of the country. Such a character should be cultivated in a steadfast manner observing one’s own self every moment.

However, it must be noted that we would not be able to accomplish everything in life by merely having Vyakti Sheel (individual character). Individual character may be adequate to fulfil one’s own needs, but may not be adequate to shore up national aspirations. One may be able to sanctify and satisfy oneself at the individual level, but in order to be socially responsive and contribute to the progress of the society, it is imperative to have Jaati Sheel (national character) along with individual character. 

Sri Sathya Sai Definition of an Ideal Leader

National character means Desha Bhakti (patriotism – love for one’s own nation). Individual character can be likened to the love for one’s mother. But national character encompasses the love for one’s motherland. In the great Indian epic Ramayana, Lord Rama said, ‘Janani Janmabhoomishcha Swargaadapi Gareeyasi’ (Mother and motherland are greater than heaver). 

Lord Rama - The Ideal Leader

Individual character and national character are like positive and negative terminals, which when joined together generate power that helps a person to perform a variety of activities. There may be a number of persons in a nation who have national character. But national character cannot prevail in the absence of individual character. At the same time, without national character, individual character alone would be inadequate to ensure the advancement of the country. The principle duty of citizens is to ensure that their country progresses. The citizens should aspire and work for the progress of their country. Today, even though national character is developing in many dimensions, it is not long lasting. In India, during the freedom struggle, many great people sacrificed their lives to liberate India from alien rule. National character was the basis for this freedom struggle. However, of late, this sentiment has been gradually declining. 

Centuries of foreign rule in India resulted in diverse value systems in this country. How did foreign rule establish itself so firmly in our country for such a long period of time? What was the reason for this pitiable situation? It was not as if values were absent in India at that time or there was shortage of talented, courageous and virtuous people. It was because people lacked national character that the invaders were could accomplish their mission quickly and with ease. That is why, it is important to have national character along with individual character. Patience is also very important.

Nobel Men and Women of Bharat who were Ideal Leaders

In India, many great people such as Mahatma Gandhi, Vallabhbhai Patel, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Bipin Chandra Pal, Nehru and many others participated in the freedom movement. Besides these, prominent leaders who led the freedom struggle, there were many more that played a key role at various levels in a quiet manner. They may not have come to limelight and may not be remembered by posterity, but they left their indelible foot prints on the canvas of Indian history and consciousness. However, at the top of their mind, people have the names of only those people who possessed both national as well as individual character. Those who lacked either national character or individual character are neither remembered nor respected.

All these leaders of various hues cannot be ignored, for they could be great ones in their own sphere of societal life. But to become an ideal person with respect and love for God, one should have individual character and true devotion in one’s heart. The well-being of the country also should be at the top of one’s mind. Body is a temple and God is the indweller of this temple. If one does not recognise the value of this body, one will not be successful and will not be of any use to the world, even though one may possess individual character. Every person who takes birth in this country ought to have compassion, patience and must hold on to the path of truth. Pleasures and uncertainties accompany human beings all the time, but people should regard both of them with equal mind and face them boldly. 

Source: Individual Character and National Character: Fundamental Pre-requisites for a Leader-Manager, Chapter 10, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective – Based on the Discourses of Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Ishwar Allah Tere Naam, Sabko Sanmati De Bhagavan

God is One, Forms are Many...

Ishwar Allah Tere Naam
Sabko Sanmati De Bhagavan (2)

Saaraa Jag Teri Santaan (2)

Is Dharti Par Basnewaale Sab Hein Teri God Ke Paale (2)

Koi Neech Na Koi Mahaan Sabko Sanmati De Bhagavan (2)

Saaraa Jag Teri Santaan (2)

Jaaton Nasalon Ke Batwaare Jhoot Kahaa Ye Tere Dwaare (2)

Tere Liye Sab Ek Samaan Sabko Sanmati De Bhagavan (2)

Janam Ka Koi Mol Nahi Hai Janam Manush Ka Tol Nahi Hai

Karam Se Hai Sabki Pehechaan Sabko Sanmati De Bhagavan (2)

Source: Vandana: Students Prayer Book, Section 3: Hindi Songs, Song 21

Sri Adi Shankaracharya: His Vow of Renunciation (Part 2)

... Continued from Part 1

One day, Shankara’s mother called him, served him food on the leaf and said, “We have begotten you after a long period of waiting. But you are going to live for a short period. To keep up the clan of our family, I want you to get married.” She asked him to make this promise. To this Shankara replied “Mother, what is Samsara? What is the happiness in this family life? What is the result from this family life? How do you expect to reach your goal in this family life? I don’t relish this family life. I want to be a Sanyasi (ascetic).” When he said so, his mother was more grief stricken.

Celibacy is of 3 types. These include Vastra Sanyasa, Indriya Sanyasa and Hrudaya Sanyasa. Vastra Sanyasa means restraint on extravagant dressing habits. Indriya Sanyasa means control on all the desires. Sanyasa means Sarvasanga Parityaga i.e. total renunciation. Giving up all the desires is Sanyasa. We have to give up all these desires which are of a multiplying nature. This is the renunciation of the senses. Hrudaya Sanyasa means there is no relation between mind, the senses and the heart. That which is born, grows and ultimately dies is the body. The body passes through the stages of birth, youth, old age and death. As the body passes through the various stages, there is mental suffering associated. The childhood is spent in playing, the boy hood is spent in studies, youth is spent in family life, old age is spent in discharging responsibilities. Thus there is an intimate relationship between the body and the mind. Take the example of a raw tamarind. If it is hit with a stone, the outer layer as well as the inner layer gets damaged. On the other hand, when we hit a ripe tamarind with a stone, only the outer skin breaks and the juice is available for consumption. Similarly the one with worldly associations should understand that he is like a tamarind. It is the same tamarind that is the gross body, subtle body and causal body. The outer skin is the gross, the pulp inside is the subtle and the seed is the causal body. The seed, skin and fruit, all the three are out of the one self. Like this the body is intimately related with the ephemeral, physical world.

Shankara told his mother, “Mother, you are expecting me to lead a family life. I don’t want to lead a family life. What is family life? Is it wife and children? Desire means Samsara. In fact any desire is Samsara - studying, eating, moving about, sitting, inhalation and exhalation are all different aspects of the Samsara. I am already in that Samsara. This inhalation and exhalation must merge with the Divinity. That is Saayujya – merger with the Supreme. That is Liberation – merger with the Divine. What is this merger? Is it the body, mind, Chitta, life force? No. That which is the basis of the body, that without which this body cannot exist in this world, must merge with the Divine. That which has emerged from the Divine must merge back into the Divine. This is stated in the Bhagavatam also.”

Shankara assists his ailing mother Aryamba on the way to the river Poorna

Thus he taught all about renunciation to his mother. On hearing this mother Aryamba felt very sad, which was quite natural. The next day she went to the Poorna river to get water. Because of all the sadness, she didn’t take food and didn’t get proper sleep as she had spent the previous day thinking about the decision that Shankara had made. As she was bringing water she fainted. On seeing her, Shankara thought that he must discharge his duty. Since his mother did not return, he followed the same route on which she had gone. He saw his mother had fallen unconscious. Keeping his mother on his lap, he served his mother. When she became conscious, he brought her back home. Then he started teaching her again, “Mother, my words might have hurt you. But if I keep myself to these problems, I am not doing justice to my Dharma. Strictly speaking, you are not my mother and I am not your son. You and I have come out from that Satchitananda (Truth-Awareness-Bliss) principle. You are Satchitananda and so am I. We both must go back to that Satchitananda. It is not good to feel sad like this. This sadness is contrary to spirituality.”

The Sanyasi

The 'crocodile' catches hold of Shankara

The mother was in deep distress over the son’s resolve. One day she was going to the river to fetch water. The young Shankara followed her earnestly pleading, “Mother! Permit me to take to Sanyasa”. She did not agree. When she got into the river for her bath, Shankara jumped into the river and going down the river for a while, he raised one hand and shouted, “Mother, a crocodile has caught hold of me. At least now permit me to become a Sanyasi”. The mother said, “If you can be saved from the crocodile by taking to Sanyasa, you better do so, so that you may live, it doesn’t matter whether as a celibate or a householder”. Shankara then came out of the river and told his mother, “In the ocean of Samsara, I was about to be drowned by a crocodile in the form of marriage. When you let me become a Sanyasi, I was free from the hold of the crocodile. No one could marry a Sanyasi”. Sanyasa does not mean a mere change in the colour of the robe. It is really a change in one’s qualities. Shankara prostrated before his mother and took her leave to embark on his career as an ascetic. At that time, the mother made Shankara give a promise that he should come and see her during her last moments. 

Continued in Part 3...

Source: Sri Adi Shankara: His Life, Discourse 16, My Dear Students Volume 3

Moments That Last Lifelong - By Aditya Prakash

"I may look at something wrong; 

Make me blind for a moment. 

I may listen to something ill; 

Make me deaf for a moment. 

I may hurt someone; 

Make my limbs numb for a moment. 

May be somewhere, sometime I think of You Bhagavan for a moment; 

Please make that moment last lifelong." 

Just as an ocean is made up of water drops, our life is nothing but a conglomeration of moments. In each of these moments, something or the other happens to us. These, we call as events or incidents in our lives. How do these events affect us? Some events might have a positive bearing on us and some might be negative. We can thus choose to either cherish these moments or bear the burden of their occurrence throughout our lives. This decision lies in our own hands. Or we may dare to withdraw from these events, learn from them and then make an investment so that in the future, they may fetch us high returns. When we choose to learn from these events, they become experiences. But there are some moments which redefine the way we think about the world and about our lives. These moments are those which bestow upon us the experiences with the Divinity. 

I did my schooling up to 10th standard in Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Peeth, Srisailam. It is Bhagavan’s school in Kerala. The students of this school are privileged, for every year during Onam festival they come over to Puttaparthi for Bhagavan’s Darshan. They also get an opportunity to present a programme in Swami’s presence. When I was in my 8th standard, I too was a part of one such programme. 

Sri Sathya Sai in the Poornachandra Auditorium

As we were waiting for Bhagavan’s arrival in the green room of the Poornachandra Auditorium on the eve of Onam, a thought struck me. It was not out of ignorance, but was more out of a sincere prayer on my part to experience what I thought to be true. I prayed that if Bhagavan was really God, as He would enter the room, He would walk up to me and talk to me before He spoke to anyone else. 

Even as I was praying, Bhagavan entered, walked straight up to me and asked me a question in Malayalam, "Yende Pere?" I replied. More questions followed. I was so overwhelmed by the situation, that I simply forgot that my prayers were being answered. It was only at the end of our programme when Bhagavan again spoke to me and I touched His feet, I realized that my life had been touched. Bhagavan had fulfilled my humble prayers. 

It takes only a moment for Bhagavan to sow the seeds of His devotion in the well prepared fields of our hearts. He then feeds the growing saplings with the manure of Faith. He blesses us with countless occasions when we experience His love and concern for us. Bhagavan is the loving mother who fulfills even the most trivial of our wishes. I would like to illustrate this with a personal experience. 

I always had wished to sing in the presence of Bhagavan. I knew very well that my aptitude for music was quite poor and it was foolish on my part to even entertain such a thought. But maybe my prayer was more from an innocent heart than an ignorant mind, for Bhagavan responded soon. Last year, it was the beginning of another academic session and the next day Bhagavan was to leave Brindavan for Prasanthi Nilayam. Bhagavan called all the first year undergraduate students for a Trayee session. It so happened that I had to take care of the audio setup for that particular Trayee session. Bhagavan was gracious enough for He enquired about our well-being in the hostel. 

At the end of session when Bhagavan signalled that He would go, I was supposed to hand over the mic at the podium to any of the Bhajan singers for Arati to be sung. But the cord of the mike was insufficient in length. Just then, one of the senior teachers around, signalled at me to sing the Arati as there was no time. I could not help but sing. He fulfills even those innocent wishes which give us only momentary happiness. But as He does so, He also takes care of us in every moment of our lives. 

It is only those moments spent in His presence, doing tasks for Him; spent thinking of His glory; or moments experiencing His Omnipresence which are the only moments in our lives that are worth cherishing. The rest of our life is but a redundant tale. It is He who lends value to our lives and makes it worth cherishing. 

"Agar Aap Na Hote To Na Jane Hamara Kya Hota 

Hum Agar Aapko Naa Dekhe To Ye 

Saanseey Bhi Deti Hain Takleef 

Bhagavan Bas Kuchh Aisa Deejiye Aadesh Ki 

Hamari Jeevan Banjaye Aapka Sandesh." 

(But for Your presence in our Lives, we don’t not know 

what would happen to us, 

Without You, life seems very difficult, 

Bhagavan, bless us so that our lives become Your message.) 

- Aditya Prakash

Student (2009-2013), Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Currently, Software Development Engineer, Innovative Scheduling, Bangalore

Source: From His Loving Students (85th Birthday Issue)

"All must strive together and work for the welfare of the Country..."

January 26, 1999

Swami: (To Institute students) 

How was the flag hoisting? Flag did not fly, It was lying limp. There was no air. It was cold. What did the Vice Chancellor speak? 

(Swami again smiled and thought for while) 

All must strive together and work for the welfare of the country. If one man could do a little work, a group of people could do much more.

January 26, 1997

In Mandir, Swami was giving Padanamaskar to the Primary school students. He called forward some of the students from Primary School to speak and enact a Sanskrit skit. At the end He profusely blessed them. Later on, while He was walking amongst the students in the Ganesh portico, seeing the fractured hand of a student, He humorously commented, “Sports Meet  Prasadam!”.

Student : Yes, Swami.  

Swami : Good that it’s the left hand and not the right. Exams are coming.

Swami smiled lovingly and moved on. In the Bhajan hall, seeing another student with a fractured hand along the path,

Swami : Sports meet Prasadam?

Students : Yes, Swami.

Swami : Careless!

Swami asked the student,

Swami : Where do you come from?.

Students : Raipur

Swami : Jaipur!

Student : Raipur.

Swami : Telugu Vaccha?  (Do you know Telugu?)

Student : Vacchu, Swami.  (I know Telugu, Swami)

Swami patted the student and moved on. During Darshan time, students who participated in adventure sports asked Swami for an interview. Swami took letters from them and said, “Time waste” and proceeded. When one of the students offered a kerchief,

Swami : (Taking the kerchief) Good towel or dirty towel?

Student : Good towel, Swami.

Swami : How do you know? (Smiling)

Swami used the kerchief and gave it back.

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (1991 - 2000)

Marketing with a Human Face: Sri Sathya Sai Guidelines

Personnel engaged in marketing activity (with particular reference to selling) should transact with sensitivity with customers, in such a manner that the intended message reaches the target audience effectively. There is nothing wrong in canvassing for the product, but care should be taken to avoid comparisons between one’s product and that of others. If you criticize the products of competitors, others also would do so. Consequently, your image in the market gets adversely affected. One must talk courteously about one’s own product. One must highlight all possible good features of one’s own product. But one must never refer to the flaws or shortcomings of competing products. This is immoral and unethical.

A market survey should be undertaken regarding consumer tastes and preferences and based on that one must estimate the demand for various products. It should be remembered that the utility aspect of the product is very important. If utility items (e.g. razor) are made available, people will like them. In marketing, unpleasant language should not be used. It is necessary to establish good rapport with different elements of the distribution channel, viz. wholesalers, brokers, etc., who can turn the complexion of the business in any manner they wish. Money in excess of requirement would not have to be expended on advertisement if only quality products could be made available at affordable prices in the market.

Source: Values-Oriented Marketing: Insights from Ancient Wisdom, Chapter 8, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective – Based on the Discourses of Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Sri Sathya Sai Celebrates Republic Day at Dharmakshetra

Tuesday, January 26, 1982 to Friday, January 29, 1982

Sri Sathya Sai giving Darshan at Dharmakshetra, Mumbai

Bhagavan reached Bombay on Republic day morning, the 26^th of January 1982. He addressed a mammoth gathering of 30,000 at Dharmakshetra that evening. On that occasion, He extolled the glory of Samkeertana. Swami said:

“The present Age, often condemned as Kali Yuga, is in fact, the age in which one can attain liberation most easily. This is revealed in every scriptural text. The reason according to them, is that one can be liberated now by the Sadhana of Naama Sankeertana---singing the glory of the Lord, and listening to the Name being sung. Among the nine steps of devotion, Shravanam (listening to the Name being sung) and  Keertanam (singing the Name) are mentioned as the best. Keertanam is singing the Names which denote the glory of the Lord and Samkeertanam means "singing the Names continuously, aloud, without interruption, and without hesitation." Whereas Keertana can be by one individual and can promote one's own spiritual progress, Samkeertanam  is by a group of people. It can help the process of liberation not only for the members of the group, but it will also be beneficial to those who listen and even to those beyond the circle of listeners; the whole world can benefit by the vibrations… Even if you are unable to do Dhyana or Japa, engage yourself in singing the Name of God, without fear and with faith.”

On 27^thmorning Bhagavan witnessed a rally of 2,000 Bal Vikas students and a pageant of 14 decorated floats each representing an aspect of Bhagavan’s teachings at Shivaji Park. The representative of Dalai Lama, Lama Bihari, knelt down and bowed thrice to Bhagavan in traditional Tibetan style. He offered a scarf to Swami.                       

The Governor of Maharashtra, Air Chief Marshall O.P. Mehra, arranged a musical evening on the 27^th at the Tata Theatre of the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Marine Drive. Many a renowned singer of Bombay sang for Bhagavan at this function. A symposium on ‘Practice of Values in Life’ was held at Bhaidas Hall at Vile Parle. The well-known Jurist Mr. Nani Palkiwala, and the famous cricketer of yester years, Mr. Vijay Merchant participated in the symposium. Bhagavan gave an inspiring Discourse at the symposium.

Sri Sathya Sai at the Shashtiabdipoorti of Sri Indulal Shah at Dharmakshetra

Bhagavan performed the, ‘Shashtiabdhipoorti’ (completion of sixty years of age) of Sri Indulal Shah, the Chairman of the World Council of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations,at Dharmakshetra on 28th morning. He paid a heartwarming tribute to ‘Indubhai and Sarlaben’. He materialised a ring and slipped it on Sri Indulal’s finger. He admired them for their spirit of selfless work and gave them garlands to exchange.

Bhagavan was accorded a reception at Malad by a local Samiti on 28th evening. He left Bombay in the early morning of the 29th.

Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digvijayam Part (1926 to 1985)